On the front of the brake drum there is a weight looking thing. What is this? While taking off the drum on my XJ this piece broke off. is this going to be a problem? Sorry if this is a dumb question, I just don't know much about brakes.

 

It is a weight. Drum are balanced at the factory. The weights are welded on and do occasionally fall off when the welds rust out. Loss of the weight is not a major thing, but you may feel a high speed shake if it does.

 

Thanks. That's what I was thinking.